Lawmaker introduces bill to reinstate fireworks ban

Wednesday

Jul 16, 2014 at 9:00 AMJul 16, 2014 at 9:00 AM

Associated Press

LANSING — A lawmaker is planning to introduce legislation this week that would reverse Michigan's decision to legalize louder, more powerful fireworks.State Sen. Glenn Anderson says the 2011 law was a "monumental mistake" and he heard countless complaints after the July 4th holiday. The Westland Democrat's bill would reinstate Michigan's ban on commercial-grade fireworks.In response to complaints, the Legislature last year gave local governments power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday. But Anderson says municipalities have struggled to do so, and police departments can't address noise and safety problems.The law's defenders say it's meant no more clandestine trips out of state. Legislators figured since the fireworks wind up here anyway, Michigan should benefit from increased jobs and tax revenue.